VILLAGE ‘OVERWHELMED’ BY VISITORS

VISITORS WHO ARE FLOCKING TO RESERVOIR CAUSE ISSUES

THE easing of coronavirus lockdown measures has led to a parking crisis in one county village as crowds flock to a popular beauty spot.

Residents in Thornton say their streets have been overwhelmed by parked cars belonging to day-trippers making a beeline for nearby Thornton Reservoir to take advantage of sunny weather and the easing of social distancing restrictions.

Scott Langton, of Merrylees Road, shared photos taken last week, showing parked vehicles clogging up the approaches to the reservoir.

“Since the lockdown has eased Thornton Reservoir as become the new destination,” he said. “The problem for residents like myself is the parking. At times, we are unable to leave the village due to the amount of traffic.

“Some cars have been parked on either side of the street and others parked across people’s driveways so they can’t get out. It’s been chaotic.”

He added: “My biggest concern is that if anyone requires emergency vehicles, Reservoir Road is a narrow road with two-way traffic but, at the moment, parked cars line the whole length of it making it impossible for anyone to pass.”

“The junction at the top of the hill is also very dangerous with cars parked around it - the law prohibits parking 10 metres from any junction.”

The beauty spot, a short drive from Leicester, had been closed to visitors until a fortnight ago.

Severn Trent Water, which owns and manages the reservoir, had reopened some of its smaller visitor sites, including Thornton Reservoir, after closing all venues back in March.

The reopening was then followed by the government relaxing lockdown measures to allow groups of up to six people from different households to meet outside in England, as long as they maintain the 2m social distancing rule.

Now Severn Trent has urged visitors to “park responsibly and show extra care for the local community”.

Teams based at the Leicestershire beauty spot are urging visitors travelling by car to use the on-site car park and turn back if it is full.

Dominic Robinson, visitor experience lead at the firm, said the request was being made to maintain social distancing at the reservoir and prevent nearby verge parking.

“It’s been great to welcome back so many visitors to Thornton Reservoir recently,” he said. “But the sudden increase in visitors has overwhelmed roads in the area, where parked cars have blocked access for nearby residents.

“This is understandably frustrating for them, so we’re asking everyone to be more considerate and drive away if there are no spaces in our car park.

“We’d be extremely grateful for everyone’s cooperation, which will help us to maintain safe distancing between visitors and pro